CITY OF DUARTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL,
THE DUARTE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND THE DUARTE COMMUNITY
FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024
6:30 PM - Closed Session
7:00 PM - Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Truong called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers Present: Finlay, Lewis, Schulz, Martin del Campo, Garcia, Truong Councilmembers Absent: Kang, Schulz
Brian Villalobos, City Manager
Katy Suttorp, Outside Legal Counsel
Kristen Petersen, Assistant City Manager / Director of
Administrative Services
Annette Juarez, City Clerk
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Finlay, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and carried by the following vote of the Council to adopt the agenda.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ, MARTIN DEL CAMPO
3. PUBLIC COMMENT - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed into closed session at 6:44 p.m. to discuss the following:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND LABOR NEGOTIATOR - The Closed EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: SEIU Local 721 Management and Professional Employees and General Employee Units.
REGULAR SESSION
5. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Truong called the open session to order at 7:14 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Councilmembers Present Finlay, Lewis, Garcia, Truong
Councilmembers Absent Kang, Schulz, Martin Del Campo
Staff Present: Brian Villalobos, City Manager
Thai Viet Phan, City Attorney
Craig Hensley, Director of Community Development
Larry Breceda, Director of Public Safety Services
Manuel Enriquez. Director of Parks and Recreatior
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Annette Juarez, City Clerk
Angela Chiaromonte, Financial Services Manager
Andres Rangel, Assistant to the City Manager
Albert Nunez, Management Aide
Salina, Bautista, Permit Technician
6. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The flag salute was led by Liz Reilly.
7. CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Phan announced that no reportable action was taken.
8. SPECIAL ITEMS
A. Mayor's Youth Council Update
President Hope Peoples and Vice President Diya Patel gave an update on recent and upcoming Mayor's Youth Council events.
The City Council thanked both representatives for their collaborative efforts with DART and CArts students; congratulated Vice President Patel for graduating as valedictorian and wished her luck on her future endeavors.
B. Public Safety Department Update
Director of Public Safety Breceda provided a department update on part 1 crimes; gave information on catalytic converter thefts, detailed the work being done by the Homeless Outreach Team; summarized the latest news in regards to the Neighborhood Watch program; shared success stories as a result of homeless outreach coordination efforts; and highlighted the recent staff bike training.
Discussion ensued regarding the neighborhood watch block captains and national night out event details.
here was conversation regarding residential safety and staying vigilant. Director Breceda wa hanked for his excellent wor
The City Council stated that per an inquiry made during public comment at the May 14, 2024 council meeting, it was confirmed that California American Water representatives were not reaching out to residents in regards to contaminated water. Discussion was had regarding safety measures that can be taken by residents.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Joanna Gee, Duarte Library, announced upcoming library events.
City Clerk Juarez announced upcoming city events.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia announced the upcoming annual Duarte Boxing Golf Fundraiser.
10. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Lisa Brault, representative from the office of Senator Anthony Portantino introduced herself to the City Council.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to read all Resolutions and ordinances presented for consideration by Title only and waive further reading. (CC/HA/FA).
B. Approval of absence(s) of City Councilmember(s) from the City Council meeting. 5/28/2024 - PAGE 2
C. Approval of Minutes - May 14, 2024. (CC/HA/FA)
D. Approval of Warrants - May 28, 2024. (CC/HA/FA)
E. Receive and file the Monthly Financial Update.
F. Receive and file the Public Safety Department Update. • Adopt by title only, Resolution 24-05, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Duart alifornia Establishing an Appropriations Limit Pursuant to the Provisions of Article XIII of the California Constitution.
Molved try Countin courio aprecoded yA Pro Com Car Cal and caried by the AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ, MARTIN DEL CAMPO
12. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
None.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
14. BUSINESS ITEMS
A. Request from Duarte Historical Society & Museum for the City of Duarte to co-sponsor Route 66 Room Exhibit Dedication Ceremony
Director of Parks and Recreation Enriquez introduced Liz Reilly, President of the Duarte Historical 'ociety who presented a co-sponsorship request on behalf of the Board of Director. Reilly provide brief history of the organization and the museum itself; highlighted the renovations made to th Route 66 room; and detailed her proposal requests.
In response to a question posed by the City Council, clarification was made on the specific renovation area and the sponsorship amount.
Do y Certie rode code a Cerebe remin and caried by the
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ, MARTIN DEL CAMPO
B. Presentation of Draft Construction Plans for Huntington Drive median upgrade project Director of Community Development Hensley provided an overview of the next steps of th roject and introduced Ana Armstrong and Richard Walke
rmstrong and Walker shared the design concepts; summarized the goals of the project; identifie e final plant selections; reviewed the construction plans; and identified the scope of worl Discussion occured between the City Council and Armstrong and Walker regarding landscape requests, plant specifications, and suggested timeline. 5/28/2024 - PAGE 3
Moved by Councilmember Finlay seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and carried by the following vote of the Council to authorize staff to move forward with the formal construction bid process.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ, MARTIN DEL CAMPO,
C. Cannabis Retail Dispensaries and Tax Ballot Measure
City Attorney Phan provided a report on two options for discussion relating to a potential cannabis ballot measure.
Public Comment
Damian Martin expressed support for staff's recommended options and commended City staff for their hard work.
In response to questions raised by the City Council, City Attorney Phan clarified the ballot language; described the ordinance and regulatory process that could occur if voters approve the measure and further distinguished between the two options.
Clarification was made by City Attorney Phan stating that discretion always lies with the Cit Council if it is approved by the voters. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of taxing that car be done, possible timeline for future elections and clarification on what next steps are. he City Council expressed concern with making a decision with the lack of attendance by thei ellow Councilmembers and concurred that tabling the item would be bes Moved by Councilmember Finlay seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and carried by the following vote of the Council to bring back the presentation and staff report for discussion to the next City Council meeting.
AYES: FINLAY, LEWIS, GARCIA, TRUONG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KANG, SCHULZ, MARTIN DEL CAMPO,
15. CONTINUATION OF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
16. ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AUTHORITY/FINANCING
AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR/REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.3
Director of Public Safety Breceda reported he attended the California Contract Cities Conference for the first time.
City Manager Villalobos also reported he attended the California Contract Cities Conference.
Cou congrenard the reported i acho das of of2024 or theirs lie acter as well Co i or an ovie to horni guade a vermis memorid and tanked USA. Track Councilmember Finlay left the meeting at 8:49 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked everyone who donated to scholarships; shared about his graduation from the W.E.L.L. program; congratulated Mayor Truong for a great speech at the MIT graduation ceremony; and also congratulated the graduating class of 2024. 5/28/2024 - PAGE 4
Mayor Truong shared a snippet of his speech given at MIT graduation; reported he along with Director Hensley attended the ICSC conference; thanked everyone for attending; and adjourned the meeting in honor of Councilmember Del Campo's friend, Greg Prodigalidad.
17. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:55 p.m., the City Council adjourned the meeting in honor of Greg Prodigalidad.
Unhy
mory
Vinh Truong, Mayor
Annette Juarez, City Clerk
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